This feature was made possible by a partnership with the City of Oak Creek.
Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square will come alive with music, dance, food and global traditions as the city hosts CAFE: A Celebration of Culture on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3 to 9 p.m. The free, family-friendly event invites the community to experience the beauty of Oak Creek’s cultural diversity through performances, food and an all-new International Bazaar.
Presented by Eder Flag, one of the nation’s largest flag manufacturers and a proud employer of a culturally diverse workforce, CAFE brings together community organizations, performers and food vendors to create a one-of-a-kind cultural showcase.
Tradition of connection
The CAFE event began seven years ago, thanks to the support of Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz and the dedication of city leaders. Since then, the event has continued to expand, drawing in more vendors, performers and visitors.
“I love traveling. And I love meeting people and learning more about them,” says Bukiewicz. “This event offers attendees the opportunity to explore the variety of culture, art and food that we have here in our own backyard. It reflects one of the most vital elements of our city’s strategic plan: to exist as a diverse, welcoming community.”
World of performances
Expect an afternoon and evening filled with color, rhythm and energy as performers bring global traditions to the Drexel Town Square stage. Highlights include the thunderous power of Japanese Taiko drumming, the joyful beats of the Kassumai African Dance Troupe, the lively strings of Irish folk music and the soaring melodies of Ecuadorian pan flutes.
One can’t-miss moment? The interactive Shaolin lion dance during which the lion playfully “eats” and tosses lettuce into the crowd in a ritual called Choy Cheng, or “plucking the greens.” In Chinese culture, lettuce symbolizes prosperity and catching the tossed leaves is said to bring good fortune.
The evening wraps up with a vibrant performance from Mariachi Band Elexion Exclusiva, ensuring the celebration ends on a high note. A full schedule of performances is available online.
Global menu
Come hungry, because the food at CAFE is just as diverse as the entertainment. From 3 to 4:30 p.m., guests can enjoy free samples from participating food vendors, tasting their way through a variety of dishes and finding their new favorites!
After 4:30 p.m., vendors will open their full menus for purchase, serving a smorgasbord of dishes. Expect savory shawarma and Indian curries along with Greek specialties, Venezuelan arepas, Hmong egg rolls and a variety of sweet treats like Korean shaved ice, waffles and boba tea.
Whether you’re in the mood to sample locally made wines from Spirits of Norway, fill up on authentic Mexican street food from Flautas y Chilaquiles Los Villa, or try something you’ve never tasted before, there’s something to tempt every palate. Check out the full vendor list online.
Beyond the stage & kitchen
In addition to food and performances, guests can explore the brand-new International Bazaar, an integrated experience allowing artisans to showcase and sell unique cultural goods. The Oak Creek High School Multicultural Club will also be on-site selling limited-edition CAFE t-shirts to raise funds for their student organization.
“CAFE is about more than just food and performances,” says Bukiewicz. “It’s about creating a space where people can come together, celebrate our differences and discover how much we share in common.”
Does your organization fit the mission of CAFE? Would you like to be part of this multicultural event in the future? Local groups and vendors are encouraged to apply online to contribute to next year’s programming.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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